Alternative screening makes airport security more efficient for crew members and passengers
DALLAS, April 1, 2011/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin testing an airline crewmember screening system in seven preliminary airports. After a 90-day test period, the program may be expanded to additional airports. This new system will enhance the verification process for professional flight crews while increasing the efficiency for all that depend on air travel. The test program is projected to occur at the following airports: Minneapolis - St. Paul (MSP), Boston Logan (BOS), Miami International (MIA), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Dulles International (IAD) and Phoenix Sky-Harbor (PHX).
SWAPA has been working closely with Southwest Airlines, the Coalition of Airline Pilots (CAPA), the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), the Air Transport Association (ATA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies to make this alternative screening process more efficient and effective. With the implementation of this new system, Southwest flight crews can access their aircraft and report for duty much faster than under the current system. This new system also allows the traveling public to not be encumbered by multiple airline crews congesting the security lines at airports.
"More efficient, updated and secure systems for commercial aviation are long overdue and we are proud to partner with regulators, Southwest Airlines and other organizations to improve the screening process for all professional flight crews," said Captain Steve Chase, President of the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association. "Our flight crews are professionals and trusted agents and should be permitted to have greater ease of movement about the airport while on duty," added Chase.
Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing the more than 6,000 pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit www.swapa.org. SWAPA is a founding member of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) representing more than 28,000 professional pilots. Visit CAPA at www.capapilots.org.
Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association
CONTACT: Neal Hanks, Director of Communications, +1-214-722-4209,
nhanks@swapa.org
Web site: http://www.swapa.org/
